Kumamoto Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 39 With 3,585 in Shelters

As of the afternoon of the 12th, the Kumamoto earthquake has killed 39 people including suspected disaster-related deaths, with 3,585 still in evacuation centres. Read the two figures together: rescue has largely wound down, and what follows is the long stretch of shelter life and reconstruction. Disaster-related death counts those who die during evacuation as their health deteriorates, which is why shelter conditions are themselves part of the response. The number still sheltered also means housing damage has not been fully assessed. Reconstruction demand arrives in stages — demolition and temporary housing, then repairs, then rebuilding. Watch the shelter count and the pace of temporary housing.